The Dynamic Impact Response of a Hybrid III Head- and Neckform under Four Neck Orientations and Three Impact Locations

Abstract

Head injuries are sensitive to impact direction and are relative to the magnitude of linear (g) and rotational (rad/s) accelerations (Holbourn, 1943; Kleiven, 2003). This study documented the influence of the Hybrid III headform's geometry and neckform's physical characteristics on the dynamic impact response of the Hybrid III headform at different impact locations. A Hybrid III headand neckform was impacted by a linear impactor at 4.2m/s to the front, side and rear locations through the center of gravity. To isolate physical characteristic of the neck on the headform's dynamic impact response, the neck's orientation was positioned about the z (vertical) axis. Impact location was found to be significantly different across all neck orientations for peak resultant linear (F(2,107)=65.295, pO.OOl) and rotational (F(2,107)=202.822, pO.OOl) acceleration. Neck orientation was found to not be significant for peak resultant linear (F(3,107)=0.560, p=0.642) and rotational (F(3,107)=0.169, p=0.917) accelerations. Understanding the interaction of impact location and neckform characteristics is important for interpreting direct head impact reconstructions using the Hybrid III headand neckform. Acknowledgements I would like to extend my gratitude to my supervisor Dr. Hoshizaki for the continued support over the last couple years. I have learned a great deal under your guidance from the numerous experiences we have shared. You truly are an inspiration. I would also like to extend my thanks to my colleagues from the Neurotrauma Impact and Science lab: Andrew, Evan, Phil, Marshall, Natalie, Anna, Clara, Al and Quyen. My experience over the last couple years has truly been life changing and I would not have been able to do it without all of you. Lastly, the support provided by my family, especially my brother Brian, my parents Judy and Steve were instrumental in helping me achieve my academic dreams. Table of